Kinetics and thermodynamics studies on the adsorption of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) from aqueous solution using zinc oxide nanoparticles

► qmax for Zn, Cd and Hg ions were 357, 387 and 714 mg/g respectively. ► qmax of ZnO is comparatively more than the other adsorbents reported elsewhere. ► ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by simpler method and low cost materials were used.